A recent collaboration between Chinese truck manufacturer FAW and Shell's chemical division has led to the development of an innovative battery system for electric semi-trucks. The Starship 3.0 concept vehicle has been at the forefront of testing this advanced battery pack, which utilizes an immersion-cooling system to effectively regulate battery temperature. This technological advancement aims to enhance range performance and extend the lifespan of electric semi-truck batteries.
This new battery pack encases the truck's battery cells in a specialized electrically insulating fluid, offering a more efficient thermal management solution compared to traditional EV battery cooling methods. The batteries, integrated into the Starship Hybrid concept semi-truck, have successfully undergone industry-standard testing for on-road certification. Furthermore, FAW has been conducting rigorous validation tests under demanding commercial vehicle operating conditions, which include sustained high-power charging and rapid discharging cycles.
Initial evaluations have yielded impressive results. Shell and FAW report that their immersion-cooled batteries achieved up to a 98% increase in maximum gradability, a crucial indicator of power output for climbing steep inclines while loaded. Additionally, the system demonstrated a 0.8% improvement in energy efficiency and the potential for up to 32% longer battery life compared to conventional cooling setups. This progress, alongside the Starship concept and a display of the immersion batteries, will be presented at the upcoming IAA Transportation 2026 exhibition in Hannover, Germany.
The partnership between FAW and Shell signifies a crucial step forward in addressing the evolving demands for higher power, greater efficiency, and faster charging capabilities in commercial electric vehicles. By combining FAW's expertise in commercial vehicle engineering with Shell's cutting-edge immersion cooling technology, this collaboration is poised to bring enhanced performance, durability, and safety to the next generation of hybrid commercial vehicles, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient heavy-duty transport sector.